Scientists from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis found that the risk of dementia may increase with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors for heartburn. The research was published in the journal neurology.
The study’s authors analyzed data from 5712 people aged 45 and over who did not have dementia at the time the study began. Their average age was 75 years. 26% were taking proton pump inhibitors – drugs that reduce stomach acid, including omeprazole and rabeprazole. During the 5.5-year follow-up, 10% of the participants developed dementia.
Dementia developed in 415 of 4222 people who did not use drugs. Of 497 patients who took proton pump inhibitors, 58 were diagnosed with the disease.
After adjusting for age, gender, history, and medical conditions (such as hypertension and diabetes), the researchers found that people who took acid-reducing medications for more than 4.4 years developed dementia 33% more than those who did not. never accepting them.
Using proton pump inhibitors for less than 4.4 years was not associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat reflux disease (GERD). This disease is accompanied by frequent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, usually after a meal or while lying down. Because of this, patients may experience frequent heartburn, and if left untreated, the risk of esophageal cancer increases.
In previous studies, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors has been associated with an increased risk of stroke, bone fractures, and chronic kidney disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding late meals and certain foods helps control GERD, but many patients require medication.
The new study doesn’t prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia, it just shows a correlation. Abrupt discontinuation of proton pump inhibitors may result in worsening of symptoms.
“More studies are needed to confirm our findings and explore the reasons for the possible association between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and an increased risk of dementia,” the authors said.
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